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What a terrible loss. I will…

What a terrible loss. I will miss her megawatt smile, capacious hugs, and all encompassing love of the MMB. #ForeverValiant #LeadersAndBest 

A little historical…

A little historical perspective:

In 1969 John Sinclair was arrested for giving two marijuana cigarettes to an undercover police officer.  He ended up being sentenced to 10 years in jail. In response, was the Free John Sinclair Movement. In 1971, there was a John Sinclair Freedom Rally at Crisler, featuring John Lennon, Bob Seger, Stevie Wonder, Allen Ginsburg, Bobby Seale, Jerry Rubin, etc. John Lennon wrote and recorded a song, "John Sinclair" which included the line "two will get you ten."  

The Michigan State Supreme Court released Sinclair in March 1972, although his legal fight continued on for a few more years. The Hash Bash began that April in 1972. It was an act of civil disobedience, protesting Federal, state and local laws. The logic being that they can't arrest everyone with a large group.  

In 1973, Perry Bullard, the State Representative for Ann Arbor, attended the HB, and was photographed toking. He was a big proponent of legalization.  He passed away about 15-20 years ago. 

My freshman year, 1978, the AAPD arrested, photographed and otherwise harassed HB participants. 

John Sinclair does live  …

John Sinclair does live  .... In AMSTERDAM! (really!) 

Joy!  Oh, Joy! The POINTS…

Joy!  Oh, Joy! The POINTS are back!! 

 

I started attending games in…

I started attending games in the mid-'60's as a kid. Have been attending ever since. I have ZERO recollection of MurderWolf.  Methinks he wasn't as popular as the OP would like us to think. Maybe in those wacky post-WWII years.

I do have fond childhood recollections of the two dogs that would chase a ball around the field at halftime. 

We don't need no stinking mascot. 

The SEC games are largely…

The SEC games are largely scheduled later in the day/night to avoid the hot weather. Added bonus: the completely blitzed fans after 12 hours of tailgating. 

Our definition of erudite…

Our definition of erudite includes quoting Michigan Daily journalist, Hopwood Award winner, '38 Michigan grad, Pulitzer Prize winner, Kennedy Center Honors winner -- Arthur Miller.  

As one does ... at Michigan. 

Just now left the reading of…

Just now left the reading of names and the flag ceremony here at the State House (Capitol Building) in Boston. While those in NYC suffered terribly, there are many from the Boston area who also lost their lives -- as you may recall the planes all left from Boston's Logan Airport. 

I remember getting a call from my husband about a plane hitting one of the towers. I assumed it must have been one of those sightseeing helicopters or small planes.  Went down the hall to watch on a work TV (small 19"er with a crap antenna) just as the second plane hit. Within a a short period of time, our Boston office high rise was ordered to evacuate. All of the buildings emptied at once, pouring people onto the streets and into the public transit stations.  The trains out of South Station ran continuously in and out of the city, ferrying people home. Cell service was crap as everyone was trying to call their loved ones at once. Hardly anyone had smart phones at the time, but a man on my train car had a newfangled Blackberry.  He kept us up to date with the news about the Pentagon and then a crash somewhere near Somerset PA. 

As it turns out, my aunt and uncle lived on Indian Lake, PA about 1.5 miles away from the Shanksville crash site. They were all concerned about me, when in fact they faced the far greater danger. 

Had just been to NYC the weekend before, and a BBQ across the Hudson. We had fun picking out and identifying the various big buildings -- little guessing that the NYC skyline would soon change forever.

Boston shut down for the rest of the week.with fighter planes periodically roaring overhead for no apparent reason. There was a massive police presence at all mass transit lines and at the MassPike tunnel under the Prudential Center. 

Scary times. 

 

The MMB will be playing…

I played there in MMB 40 years ago. Tight second half - George Cavender had instruments up, and playing after Every. Singe. Down. No ceding to the other band at any point. Must have played Victors Trio 100 times. Schembechler said that this fired up the team. Great Game. Great Victory. Go MMB -- Play loud, play long and play frequently.  Lead the team to victory again! 

The MMB will be playing…

The MMB will be playing halftime (I believe they will do a version of pregame), so they will be allotted the proper time then, just not at pregame. 

I think it is a bush league move by ND over pregame. There is a 22 minute window by NCAA rules from when the players leave the field from warm ups to the start of the game. Countless other schools manage to field both home and away bands in that period of time. ND CHOOSES not to abbreviate their pregame and allow visiting bands to perform pregame. This is 100% on them. 

I am not so upset about the seating. Since ND renovated their stadium, the sideline is even move tight than Michigan Stadium. There have been issues of players running out of bounds and running into the band -- with potential injuries to player and bandspeople.  I get the safety concerns. Just ask the members of the Spartan Band over players launching themselves (intentionally or not) into their midst. 

40 years ago at ND - when…

40 years ago at ND - when the series was first restored - George Cavender had instruments up, playing after every single down. Must have played Victors Trio a hundred times. Schembechler commented how that fired up the team. A great game and great victory. Let’s do it again! 

I’m sure they are charging…

I’m sure they are charging Michigan Athletic Dept for the seats. Jerks. 

Tell that to Rick Pitino. It…

Tell that to Rick Pitino. It didn't even take 14 days for that fiasco/termination/buyout to come to fruition at Louisville. 

So many great Tailbacks at Michigan!

Tim Biakabutuka, Tyrone Wheatley, Gordon Bell, Touchdown Billie Taylor! 

Without a doubt, Anthony Carter

But I always liked Armani Toomer, too. 

Full back

Rob Lytle; BJ Askew

I've lived in Boston since the 1980's

I have loved living here and don't regret my move here from the Midwest. There is an energy to living in Boston with so much to do and see. 

There is a very big emphasis on education here in Boston. There are over 30 institutions of higher learning in the greater Boston area, with about 150K students. This gives the area a youthful vibe. Unlike other parts of the country, you might find a greater emphasis on your merit and educational level than on your net worth. This translates into a demand for strong school systems. Truly, some of the top ranked schools in the country here. Even the 'middling' ranked schools in the state exceed those found in other parts of the country.

I live in Natick in the Metrowest area. I know lots of people living in the general Metrowest area who work in the Longwood Medical hospitals. A very good friend just retired from Childrens, but commuted for decades from our town.  The commuter rail is excellent, running very frequently. There are express trains from the Natick and Framingham stops that get you in and out of the city even quicker.There are shuttles from the Yawkey Stop to Childrens, as well as shuttles from several satellite parking areas around the city. (I believe thre is one off of Route 9 near the Chrestnut Hill Mall, if you wanted to drive to that location.)  I agree with other commenters that commuting from the North or South might prove more difficult in getting to the medical area. You do NOT need to spend $1M to get a nice house here. It just depends on how close to the city you want to live. 

From a professional standpoint, Children's Hospital is one of the top institutions nationally catering specifically to children.  Overall, there is a strong focus on medicine and medical sciences in the region. Many top notch teaching and research hospitals as well as strong regional hospitals. Mass General, Mass Eye & Ear, Dana Farber, Beth Israel, Brigham & Women's, NEBH, etc., etc. Additionally, lots of research and biotech companies have found a home here, taking advantage of the strong connection to the local hospitals and universities. There is a strong buzz and excitement surrounding all things medical and tech. 

There is tons of natural beauty. Within easy driving distance, you have the ocean (including Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Natucket, running all the way up to NH and Maine). You also have the mountains of NH and VT for hiking and skiing. The Berkshire Mountains (the upper part of the Appalachian Trail) are glorious in all seasons. Leaf peeping in the fall is serious fun. 

You will find everything and anything that you might want in cultural events and excursions from the worlds of music, theater, dance, art, literature ... There are many, many museums catering to just about every interest. History abounds and around just about every corner. Your kids will love the Science Museum and Children's Museum. 

Sportswise, the area is very much about professional sports. The Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, Celtics and Revolution rule. College sports, not so much, with the exception of hockey.  The Beanpot Hockey Tournament gets the locals' juices flowing. Otherwise, it's just the BC grads rememebering their glory Doug Flutie years. We have seen Michigan play out here over the years in hockey, basketball, and (very infrequently) football. Definitely go to Fenway Park, een if you don't care for baseball, just for the experience. The Head of the Charles crew races are also a big in the Fall. There is a very large Michigan contingent in Boston, so lots of game watching parties. 

Finally, don't let the other comments about Massholes get to you. There are unpleasant people everywhere. There are some here. But I have found people to be generally welcoming and nice. You will have young kids, so will have fellow parents/schools/activities to bring you into contact with other people. The medical community is large and diverse with plenty of opportunities to meet like minded folk. Children's also seems to be a fairly welcoming place. 

Like Bronx Blue, I would be happy to be resource with your efforts.  Good Luck!! 

Four Rose Bowls -- So far!!

1.Attended?

 1-1-79 v. USC (In the MMB)

 1-1-81 v. Washington (In the MMB) 

1-1-97 v. Washington State

1-1-04 v. USC

2. Favorite memories:

Watching the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains turn pink as the sun sets. 

Bob Ufer's AMAZING Pep Rally speech 12-20-80 at Citrus College. It wasn't publicly known, but he was very sick at that point and only survived to the following Fall.  It was like he was willing those menin Maize and Blue to win one for Bo (and for him). 

National Championship win in 1997. Didn't get my voice back for 10 days. The euphoria over the win was indescribable. 

Not so great memories -- Marching in the Rose Bowl Parade is meh.  The only float you see is the one in front of you. 7 miles, the first 1.5 is high step during the "TV Zone." An incredibly long day. 

3. Looking forward to it!

4. Old Yankee Stadium was incredible.  And second the discussion about Wrigley and Fenway. Icky stadiums - the old Astrodome in Houston, the old Humphreydome in Mpls, the Super Dome. 

 
All time favorite Michigan Basketball player!

Such an inspirational story.  Growing up poor in Chicago, Juwan was raised by his grandmother.  She had a HUGE influence on him.  He promised her that no matter what -- he would get his college degree. The day he announced he was coming to Michigan, she dropped dead of a heart attack.

Bereft, he headed to Ann Arbor where he had a brilliant career while earning the respect and friendship of players, coaches and classmates. He was NOT implicated in the scandal which lead to the loss of the banners from the Fab Five seasons. Exciting to watch on the court, full of athleticism and natural grace. 

He left Michigan early for the NBA draft; picked up by the Washington Bullets. He fulfilled his pledge to his grandmother, being the first NBA athlete to graduate on time during his rookie season. In addition to an extended and storied professional career, Juwan is equally well known for his philanthropic work. 

What's not to love? 

 

 

Northeastern is the real deal

I now live in Boston and have watched them play multiple times this year. They were VERY impressive in the Beanpot Tournament -- which historically has been dominated by BU and BC. They are very atheletic and have a great goalie. However, they can be beaten especially if the crowd is taken out of the game early.  

Already have my tickets for the game -- Can't wait to cheer on the WOLVERINES to VICTORY!  

Cheerleaders Back in those dark ages, the Cheerleaders were men. Don Canham’s daughter wanted to be one but no women allowed, so they formed a squad of ‘Pom-Pom Girls.’ We’ve come a long way, baby!
Looking forward to it The Alumni Band rehearsal is there 8-9
Homecoming Back in A2 for Homecoming and the Blast From The Past. Praying for no injuries — to the Alumni Band as we make our way across the field! Thirty-nine years since my first pre-game entry from the tunnel. Go Michigan! Beat Rutgers! Go!
You're not alone -- Tom Brady

You're not alone - Tom Brady just said Coldplay was one of his favorite bands. 

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/08/04/tom-brady-says-coldplay-is-one-of…

 

RW&MGB

Logged in just to upvote you! 

Fa male

Fa male

I do practice in Massachusetts

Excellent explanation of collateral estoppel. 

It should be noted that the vacating of the conviction is not a determination of "innocence." The Massachusetts concept of Abatement "Ab Initio" means "from the beginning." In essence, the case stands as if the Hernandez had died prior to his trial -- as someone arrested and accused of a crime.  

I would also point out the difference between criminal and civil cases. The criminal case is an action by the Government against an individual. By breaking the law, that person has essentially struck at the basis of good society and must be punished. Because the Constitution provides strong protections for the individual against the Government, the government's case must be proved "betyond a reasonable doubt." 

Civil cases are private actions by one party against one or several other people or entities for harm done. The recourse is largely (although not necessarily exclusively) monetary. These cases require proof by a preponderance of the evidence, i.e., >50%. 

The Commonwealth was unable to convince a jury of guilt of the much higher "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard in the second murder trial. Nevertheless, the familes of the two victims in that case still have a civil cause of action against the now Hernandez estate. They would only have to prove liability by a 'preponderance" of the evidence.

The vacating of the conviction in the first murder case does not vitiate the rights in civil court of any of the parties. As EGD, notes it does prevent those parties of the ability to submit the conviction as proof of liability. They may develop and present evidence of liability otherwise. 

Because the damages in the civil cases are monetary, what remains to be seen is exactly how much of the Hernadez estate remains to satisfy any potential judgment. I would suspect that a settlement is likely to save the expense of costly trials. 

***Please note that this commentary is general and illustrative in nature and should not be relied upon as advice in any specific case. If you intend to commit first degree murder in Massachusetts, or have the misfortune of being murdered or are related to someone murdered here, I recommend you consult counsel.

Well said.

An up vote from me! 

Good point

And another reason why having automatic appellate rights are a good thing. Having fresh eyeballs looking a first degree murder conviction over should not be an issue if everything is done by the book. Just think how high that rate would be without it? 

Good question Monkey Man

Ha! Good one about employment protection for lawyers! :-D And certainly Criminal appellate work is a burgeoning specialty all its own. 

There are many states that have a similar automatic appeal provision, particularly in capital punishment states. The idea being that before one does the irreparable harm of depriving someone of their life, there are safeguards in place to make sure there wasn't some gross judicial or prosecutrial misconduct.

Massachusetts does not have capital punishment. However, the same concepts are in play. 

When you think about it, the Government can wield enormous power and resources in prosecuting its citizenry. Before depriving those people of their life liberty, livelihoods, etc., the Government should be able to get it right. 

The same idea comes into play with the requirement the Government be able to prove its case "beyond a reasonable doubt." As a prosecutor, I often told juries that this was a burden the Commonwealth gladly took on and was convinced it had gotten it right in that particular case. 

In Massachusetts

A conviction for first degree murder carries an automatic life without parole sentence AND an automatic appeal.  The first murder trial for the death of Odom Lloyd was such a conviction. 

Part of the prosecution's case was that Lloyd was killed because Hernandez was afraid he might talk about the Suffiolk County double drive-by shooting murder.  With the acquittal in the Suffolk case, the defense would be arguing that the motive in the Bristol County case was now negated. 

If anything, the Suffolk County acquittal would have bouyed the defense's prospects for success. 

Additionally, in Massachusetts, we have a legal precept called "abatement ab initio." Because there were still outstanding appeals in the first case, it is as if Hernandez was innocent of that case. With the suicide, the Commonwealth will vacate the conviction. This creates issues with the civil case of the Lloyd family as they will not be able to use the 'beyond a reasonable doubt" conviction in the criminal case to bolster their action for monetary damages against hernandez and his estate. 

(And BTW I am a former prosecutor in Massachusetts' Middlesex County.)

His childhood was not so rosy

According to this Boston Globe article in 2013. His mother was running numbers, declaring bankruptcy twice. Aaron was certainly hanging out and emulating gangs while in high school.

 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/08/14/hometown-link-double-life…;

I'm old enough

to remember how bad Michigan Hockey was in the early '80's. Before Red arrived, there was some very serious talk about dropping hockey as a varsity sport. In my mind, Red SAVED that program. 

 

Juwan Howard was

my all time favorite. Grew up in the worst part of Chicago. Raised by his Grandmother who kept him to the straight and narrow and guided him towards college. 

He was at his high school announcing he would go to Michigan to play. Should be the happiest, biggest day of his life.  Comes home to find Grandma has had a heart attack or stroke or some such and has passed. 

He kept his promise to his grandmother. He came to Michigan, he played, and he went to class. Even after he went pro, he came back and completed his Michigan degree.  

Great player, excellent man.  Should not be tarred with the Fab-Five-were-all-cheats brush. Lots of people here making assumptions about things they don't know the truth about.

After the "Time Out" Game

Coach Fisher was a class act.  

I loved the Fab Five and the way they energized college basketball. A joy to watch. I was at that Final Four in New Orleans. Utterly stunned by the ending. At the Michigan hotel afterwards, Coach Fisher stood in the ballroom and addressed the Michighan faithful. He said that the coaching staff took the blame and that we should not hold it against CW who felt horrible about it. He said the whole team was standing by CW. 

Coach then stood there as if in a funeral receiving line and spoke with EVERY single person passing by. It had to have been excruciating, but he did it with class and dignity. I'll never forget it. 

I was at that game

The guy sitting next to me was shouting "Call Time Out!" as were a lot of people in the stands. CW stood up and never once tried to deflect.  I also liked that he started the Time Out Foundation with his first NBA check to help inner city kids.  Trying to make something positive out of a bad situation. 

Bob Ufer

One of my most thrilling moments was undoubtedly Bob Ufer's thrilling pep rally speech at Citrus College on December 31, 1980. He spokes without notes directly to the players, urging them on to finally win a Rose Bowl for Bo. Utterly inspiring and well worth finding the Youtube video to watch.  Anyone who aspires to be a Michigan Man (or Woman) will get misty eyed hearing it. He willed those boys to win that game, which they reosoundingly did the very next day. 

What makes it bittersweet was that Ufer was already ill with the cancer that would take him within the year. I'll never forget the seemingly neverending roar at Micxhigan Stadium when the Band spelled out U-F-E-R on the field and he was honored by all the Maize and Blue faithful.  

Statement from the MMB

John is a dear friend, who epitomizes the true Michigan Man: a talented, disciplined, strong leader, commited to excellence and 'paying it forward.' Even more so, his was a true love match with his wife, Gail. From their meeting in 1978, through their wedding, the birth of two amazing children, building a business and a courageous 10 month struggle against cancer, their love and devotion never wavered. He was my family, he was the Marching Band's family, he was family to all who love and honor the Maize and Blue.  A true loss to us all.

The Statement issued this morning by the MMB:

It is with sadness that we share with the Michigan Marching Band (MMB) family and University community the passing of a true Michigan Man, John W. Stout, who lost his battle with cancer on April 4, 2017. As we reflect on our lives, we often ask: “Did I make the lives of those I touched a little bit better?” For John Stout (BM ‘79, MM ‘81), the answer is a resounding and unequivocal yes!

John was an artist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and a consummate gentleman. His passion for music and the arts started early in life. By age 15 he wrote large scale works for band and orchestra. At age 21, he began to publish his music with commercial publishers. Throughout his career, John composed and arranged more than 500 works for chamber ensemble, orchestra, symphonic band, wind ensemble, as well as film and television scores. John was the recipient of a number of grants, awards, and commissions (including one from the Boston Pops Orchestra).

John’s arrangements have been the cornerstone of the MMB’s halftime performances for over 35 years. As a student at the University of Michigan, John studied with Leslie Bassett, William Bolcom, and William Albright. A bassoonist, and tenor saxophonist in the MMB, John also holds the distinction of being the Marching Band’s first Donald R. Shepherd Scholarship recipient, awarded in 1978. This annual award is given to select upper class members of the MMB who have made exemplary contributions to the band throughout their time in the ensemble. There have now been more than 360 recipients of this honor.

Being the first Donald R. Shepherd Scholarship recipient inspired John and his wife Gail (BA ‘81) to become active philanthropists within the Ann Arbor arts community and beyond. The Stouts established the Stout Family Marching Band Scholarship in 2004, which honors musical excellence and a strong commitment to the MMB. Both John and Gail have served as members of the Michigan Marching Band’s Elbel Club committee, co-chairs of the MMB’s Victors for Michigan Development Committee, members of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance campaign advisory committee, and members of the University Musical Society’s Ambassador and Board of Directors.

As an entrepreneur, John founded Stout Systems in 1993; an award-winning company that provides expert level software, web and embedded systems development consulting and staffing services. During his years as an independent consultant, John established a track record of providing cutting-edge technology to clients. As a result, John was named the “Overall Winner” of Corp! Magazine’s 2013 “Entrepreneurs of Distinction” award.

John is survived by his beloved Gail (née Ferguson), his wife of 35 years; his children Michael (Amber) and Lauren; and his mother Mary Louise Stout (née Copley). He was the kind brother of Susan L. Hammer (Tony) and Steven C. Stout (Colleen).

John’s devotion, care, and concern for the well-being of the University of Michigan Band Program has been inspirational and unforgettable. Through his many arrangements and compositions, we will be constantly reminded of John’s belief in arts education and the importance of music in our culture. Through his philanthropy, we will always be reminded of his love and support. We have lost a valiant victor who will be forever missed by those who had the honor and privilege to know him.

And more importantly, he got

to sing The Yellow and Blue.  Nice Pic, BH82! :-D

Pep Band and Instruments

All Basketball Band gear, equipment and luggage remain under the plane. The Basketball Band sis actually much larger than what travels. They were able to get replacement instruments and shirts from Revelli Hall and from their friends who weren't on the travel roster.  

OJ was laughing away in the OJ was laughing away in the booth for the '79 Rose Bowl. 'Don't worry, Michigan fans, it all evens up in the end.' Yes, it does - have fun rotting in that cell, F'ing bastard!



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I doubt anyone has done more I doubt anyone has done more research than you on this game! And I mean this most sincerely!



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At the airport now! I'll be At the airport now! I'll be there, looking for my fellow MGoBandFolks. Look for the short blonde trumpet player and come introduce yourself!



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Another Trumpet here! Thank Another Trumpet here! Thank you for your sacrifice - I haven't played in a year and need all the help I can get! :-D



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Correct about the playing of Correct about the playing of the opposing team's fight song during a game in the Richter year(s).

Just because MMB generally doesn't play the opposing teams' fight songs during the game (as opposed to the traditional pregame salute) doesn't mean that Rutgers should be denigrated for doing so. Since when has it been 'It's got to be Michigan's way and only Michigan's way?"

I certainly recall the MANY discussions about how our own striving 110% for excellence was not to be coupled with tearing down the other bands. We clapped for them at the end of their performances and told them "Good show". Because ... band. Because that is how we represent. Because that is good sportsmanship. Because we elevate ourselves by being the best, not by trying to tear down and lower someone else.

It was a wonderful display of good sportsmanship by Rutgers Band. Those of us (MMB and others) actually at the game appreciated it.



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Also there with quite a few Also there with quite a few fellow MMB alums. Rutgers was down 57-0 by that time, we were all drenched from the downpour. Much appreciated- and roundly applauded by everyone. It was a nice gesture. Classy move.



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There was a certain incident There was a certain incident with them stealing a practice piano from the band hall ....



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I was at the game -- and will I was at the game -- and will put my MMB credentials up against Bando's any day...

1. I and many old MMB alums sitting with me thought it was a great, classy gesture. Rutgers was down 57-0 at the time. Everyone was drenched from rainpour since mid-afternoon. The Michigan faithful were clustered in the top reaches of the stadium. Much appreciated - and roundly applauded.

2. Bando is right - it is traditional for a B1G marching band to play the opponent's fight song as a part of pregame. Pay attention the next home game. After the floating Block M makes it's way back across the field from the the student end zone, playing The Victors, Carl Grapentine will say: We salute our visitors, The Fighting Illini ... at which point the MMB plays their fight song.

3. In answer to someone's question, this is why the Rutger's band had The Victors" music. They had already played it as a part of their pregame. It's not like they brought it expecting to be blown out.

Thought it was a remarkable example of good sportsmanship. Please do not think that MOST MMB people somehow feel the need to denigrate Rutger's band for this.



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My Niece is in the band at MTSU Huge celebration going on at their campus! Told her I knew quite a few folks rooting for them.
Just heard someone suggest Just heard someone suggest Brandon should take over for Goodell as Commissioner of NFL. (Because it's Boston, and people talk stupid stuff at the end of a long day.) My head exploded.



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